---
title: "They Need Us: Join the Movement for Youth Mental Health Today"
description: Every young person deserves to be seen, heard, and supported. Sarah’s story must not be in vain. Let's respond—not with silence, but with community, compassion, and courage.
---

[The Cycling On Purpose Blog](https://cyclingonpurpose.org/blog)

# [They Need Us: Join the Movement for Youth Mental Health Today](https://cyclingonpurpose.org/blog/theyneedus)

 Written by [Kyla Scott](https://cyclingonpurpose.org/blog/author/kyla-scott) | 5/11/25 3:38 PM

### A Crisis in Our Backyard

The recent article from The Spokesman-Review, “[Failing Sarah](https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/may/09/failing-sarah-how-a-12-year-old-girl-ended-her-own/),” recounts the tragic death of 12-year-old Sarah Niyimbona, who died by suicide while under care at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane. Sarah's story is a heartbreaking reminder of the urgent need to address youth mental health in our community.

Spokane County faces a significant mental health crisis among its youth. Between 2017 and 2021, suicide was the second leading cause of death for individuals aged 15-24 and 25-44 in the county. Alarmingly, [Spokane's suicide](https://srhd.org/health-topics/injury-violence-safety/suicide?utm_source=chatgpt.com) rate [surpasses both state and national averages](https://namispokane.org/spokane-county-suicide-rate-is-higher-than-state-and-national-rates/?utm_source=chatgpt.com).

[The recent Youth Risk Behavior Survey](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/su/su7304a9.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com) revealed that approximately 30% of female high school students and 14.3% of male students nationwide seriously considered attempting suicide in the previous year. While specific local data may vary, these national trends underscore the pervasive nature of the issue.

### **The Facts We Cannot Ignore**

- 🧠 **32% of teens (13–18)** experience anxiety disorders.
- 🌀 Symptoms of **depression and anxiety** have doubled between 2016 and 2020.
- 💔 **Suicide** is now the **second leading cause of death** among people aged 15–29.
- 🔵 **75% of all lifetime mental health disorders begin by age 24**.

### **What Can We Do?**

Sarah's story is a poignant call to action. By coming together as a community, we can work towards a future where every young person has access to the support and care they need.

Organizations like [NAMI Spokane](https://namispokane.org/find-support-education/) and the Spokane Regional Health District are working to address these challenges through education, advocacy, and support services. However, a collective effort is necessary to create meaningful change.

- [**Promote Open Dialogue**](https://cyclingonpurpose.org/thekickoff): Encourage conversations about mental health to reduce stigma and foster understanding.
- [**Support Local Initiatives**](https://namispokane.org/get-involved/event-calendar/): Engage with and support organizations dedicated to mental health advocacy and services.
- [**Advocate for Policy Change**](https://www.childrensalliance.org/): Urge policymakers to prioritize mental health funding and implement comprehensive support systems in schools and communities.

### **Be Part of the Change with [The Kickoff: A Night of Purpose](https://cyclingonpurpose.org/thekickoff)**

At [Cycling on Purpose](https://cyclingonpurpose.org/), we’re turning awareness into action.

At The Kickoff: A Night of Purpose, we will raise awareness, build resilience, and take concrete steps toward a healthier community.

Every young person deserves to be seen, heard, and supported. Sarah’s story must not be in vain. Let's respond—not with silence, but with **community, compassion, and courage**.

📣 **Take action**:

- Share this message.
- Support youth-focused mental health efforts.
- Show up for the [*Cycling On Purpose* Kickoff.](https://givebutter.com/FML79B)

### **Need Help NOW?**

📞 **[988](https://988lifeline.org/?utm_campaign=Vibrant-988GamingQ225&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Search&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22522709209&gbraid=0AAAAA93Lt9lNwHaPzYRaKPEZGe2jdUegJ&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlYHBBhD9ARIsALRu09qxeCOkCtjKYYXjz7wXPP1PHHkgKXGswnvr2gi-nkzWDyjBBVJj7akaAg-GEALw_wcB) Suicide & Crisis Lifeline** – Call or text for 24/7 support

📱 [**HearMeWA**](https://hearmewa.org/) – Youth crisis response at 888-537-1634

[View full post](https://cyclingonpurpose.org/blog/theyneedus)

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